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The minimal virus requirements for the generation of influenza virus-like particle (VLP) assembly and budding were reassessed. Using neuraminidase (NA) from the H5N1 and H1N1 subtypes, it was found that the expression of NA alone was sufficient to generate and release VLPs. Biochemical and functional characterization of the NA-containing VLPs demonstrated that they were morphologically similar to influenza virions. The NA oligomerization was comparable to that of the live virus, and the enzymic activity, whilst not required for the release of NA-VLPs, was preserved. Together, these findings indicate that NA plays a key role in virus budding and morphogenesis, and demonstrate that NA-VLPs represent a useful tool in influenza research.
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Journal of General Virology vol. 91 , part 9, pp. 2322 - 2330
Supplementary Fig. S1. TEM visualization of influenza NA VLP formation
Supplementary Fig. S2. Desialylation of cell-surface sialylglycan by NA-VLPs
Supplementary Fig. S3. Comparative expression and release of NA-VLP for different NAs [Single PDF file](641 KB)